By the time Saturday rolls around it will have been 238 days since a match of football or netball was held in the Wimmera and Horsham District Football Netball Leagues.
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Although it hasn't been the longest break the game has endured since the 2019 season, footballers and netballers from around the region are chomping at the bit to strut their stuff.
There have been some key-position changes in the offseason with Fred Mellington retiring as HDFNL chairperson after a mammoth 20-years on the board.
Mellington was replaced by Nathan Neumann who "is very keen for the season" to start.
"I'm really looking forward to clubs being able to have the crowds and have communities back at the footy... Getting back to that community football and netball on the weekend where everyone's getting around, crowds are normal and people are getting involved in sport again," Neumann said.
WFNL chairperson Pauline Butler is equally keen for the return of football and netball.
"I can't wait for it to start," Butler said.
"I think everyone's looking forward to the season kicking off this weekend."
The HDFNL and WFNL boards have both been busy in the offseason in preparation for a big 2022.
"We've been busy. Obviously going to some new online systems with the management of the competition that's added extra stress to some of our people, but everything seems to be tracking well from that side of things so far," Neumann said.
"We've been doing a lot of work in the offseason with clubs around some COVID protocols that we've put into place this year across the football and the netball," Butler said.
"We want to try and get teams out on the track as much as possible, knowing that COVID is here to stay really this year.
"We just hope that it doesn't interrupt our season.
"That's what we're hoping for."
Butler also touched on the return of crowds.
"I cannot wait," she said.
"For the survival of our League and for the survival of our clubs as well they need that money coming in the gate.
"With no restrictions in place at this stage of the year it's just a great opportunity for our clubs to get some coin back in their pockets."
Jason Muldoon has also exited his post as AFL Wimmera-Mallee region manager after nine years working in the region.
Muldoon has taken up an opportunity in a similar role with AFL Goldfields and AFL Western District.
His replacement is yet to be named.
There has been plenty of player movement in the offseason and as we near round one there are plenty of questions on everyone's lips.
In the Wimmera football, how will Minyip Murtoa cope with their player losses? Can Dimboola make a giant leap into premiership contention? How will the Horsham teams fare?
In the Wimmera netball, how will the Giants shape up after their blistering 2021? What will life be like without Emma Buwalda for the Horsham Demons? Can the Burras rise up the ladder?
There are plenty of questions to be asked of teams in the District League too.
In the District football, can Noradjuha-Quantong secure their first premiership after a sublime 2021? Will Edenhope-Apsley's heavy recruiting result in finals' success?
In the District netball, can Laharum back-up their success of 2019 and 2021? How will Harrow-Balmoral go under new coach Kirby Knight?
Anyway as they wait for the answers, spectators won't have to wait long to see some quality action with blockbusters scheduled throughout all grades from round one.
With capacity restrictions removed, 2022 is the time to get out and support your local clubs in a COVID-safe manner.
WFNL in focus
Football
Southern Mallee Giants - https://www.mailtimes.com.au/story/7677196/giants-keeping-it-simple-in-2022/?cs=3024
Stawell -
Netball
Stawell - https://www.mailtimes.com.au/story/7687294/warriors-to-return-bigger-and-better-in-2022/
HDFNL in focus
Football
Netball
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